Some of Wodonga’s most talented young creatives are showcasing their works in a special exhibition at Hyphen – Wodonga Library Gallery.
Artistic License celebrates the creativity of Year 12 students exploring ideas as diverse as identity, fast fashion and dreamscapes.
Two artists are sharing musical creations played in the gallery while other works use media such as digital art, acrylics and textiles.
Hosted for the first time at Hyphen, the exhibition features works by students from local secondary schools.
For Clio Waldegrave-Knight, the development of a grid technique was central to the work Turmoil in Red.
The acrylic on paper work explores abstraction, a movement that has become a passion.
“I chose large-scale abstract painting because I felt there was a freedom to it that I was uncomfortable with it and I wanted to get better at it,” Clio said.
Jessica Jarald has two self-portrait works in the exhibition which explore how her ethnicity both contrasts and complements her nationality.
“With art, I wanted to explore who I was again and show everyone who I actually am, showing my culture of Indian and Australian together,” Jessica said.
Curator Bronwen Garner said Artistic License gave young artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in the context of a significant public gallery space.
“The community of Wodonga and Albury really loves exhibitions of work by young artists. It’s something they can connect with because they might know the kids or have something to do with what the art is about,” Ms Garner said.
“I think for young kids to come into Hyphen and see work by young artists on the walls is incredibly inspiring and to think that they might go to a secondary school here and make work of a high calibre that’s worthy of being on public display is terrific.”